Encrypt your data

Encryption stores your data in a form that can be read only when your phone or tablet is unlocked. Unlocking your encrypted device decrypts your data. Encryption can add protection in case your device is stolen.

All Pixel phones are encrypted by default. So are Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus 6, and Nexus 9 devices.

Decrypt your data using accessibility features

To help you enter your PIN, pattern, or password to decrypt your Pixel phone at start-up, you can use TalkBack, Switch Access, and other updated accessibility services. Pixel phones can't use Bluetooth-paired accessibility devices until after you decrypt.

On encrypted Nexus phones and tablets, if you choose to require your PIN, pattern, or password at start-up, you'd need to enter it without help from either accessibility services or Bluetooth-paired accessibility devices.

Encrypt Nexus 4, Nexus 5, Nexus 7, or Nexus 10 devices

Encrypting your Nexus device may take an hour or more, and your device may restart several times. If the process gets interrupted, you might lose the information on your device. We recommend these steps before you start:

You'll be asked to "further protect this device" by requiring your PIN, pattern, or password when your device starts. The first time that you choose this setting, it will encrypt your device.

Select Require to start device.

Tap Continue.

Set your PIN, pattern, or password. Follow the on-screen steps.

You can choose whether to require your PIN, pattern, or password when your device starts. Learn how to set a screen lock. If you use an accessibility service like TalkBack, or a Bluetooth-paired accessibility device, keep in mind that you'd need to enter your information at start-up without help from your service or device.

After encrypting, you can turn off encryption only by factory data reset, which erases all your data.

If you use an accessibility service like TalkBack, or a Bluetooth-paired accessibility device, you'll always need to enter your PIN, pattern, or password at start-up without the help of your service or device.

If you change your mind about encrypting your device, you can tap Back .